VDOT Salem News Releaseshttp://www.virginiadot.org/newsroom/salem/2010/default.asp
VDOT News Headlinesen-usTue, 29 Nov 2016 20:34:39 GMT-8VDOT LAUNCHES NEW VARIABLE SPEED LIMIT ON INTERSTATE 77 IN CARROLL COUNTY, VIRGINIAhttp://www.virginiadot.org/newsroom/salem/2016/vdot_launches_new_variable109320.asp
SALEM – The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is now operating new signs on Interstate 77 in Carroll County, Virginia, between mile markers 0 and 15 that allow the speed limit on Fancy Gap Mountain to be lowered below 65 mph when weather conditions reduce visibility.
The new variable speed limit is a part of an Active Traffic Safety Management System (ATSMS) that includes a network of traffic cameras, weather/visibility detection stations and 76 signs of various types to alert drivers to slow down when visibility is reduced.
VDOT operates the variable speed limit signs out of its traffic operations center in Salem and will lower the speed limit when visibility falls to 650 feet or less. Drivers should be aware there may be times when fog is present and advisories will be issued without a reduction in speed.
“We have installed new technology to communicate to the public, but we still need drivers to change their behavior and drive to those conditions,” says Chris McDonald, VDOT’s southwest regional operations director. “Complying with the reduced speed limit is key as conditions will still occur that create hazards for drivers.”
The lower the visibility then the lower the speed limit will be reduced to allow drivers more stopping distance. Based on the conditions, motorists may see speed limits between 65 mph and 30 mph.
“Variable speed limits are in place in other parts of the nation, but what makes this system unique is that we are able to scale the speed limit in relation to real-time conditions” explained McDonald.
In February 2014, the Commonwealth Transportation Board awarded a $7.5 million contract to G4S Technology, Inc. from Springfield, to design and build the ATSMS. Tue, 29 Nov 2016 24:00:00 GMT-8VDOT TO OPEN DIVERGING DIAMOND INTERCHANGE AT VALLEY VIEW BOULEVARD AND INTERSTATE 581 THIS AFTERNOON - New traffic pattern will direct traffic to the opposite side of the road temporarilyhttp://www.virginiadot.org/newsroom/salem/2016/vdot_to_open_diverging109249.asp
SALEM — The City of Roanoke, with assistance from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), held a ribbon-cutting ceremony today to open the new diverging diamond interchange at Valley View Boulevard and Interstate 581 at exit 3C. The new interchange will officially be open to traffic this afternoon, just in time for the holiday shopping season, and is only the second of its kind in the commonwealth.
“This improved and expanded interchange will be an important asset to the city's economy. Not only will it help traffic flow more efficiently for this popular shopping location, it will also open up opportunities for future economic development in this area of the city,” said Roanoke City Mayor Sherman Lea.
About the Project
The $63.9-million project completed the partial interchange at I-581 and Valley View Boulevard by building an off-ramp from southbound I-581 onto Valley View Boulevard and an on-ramp from Valley View Boulevard onto northbound I-581. In addition, the bridge over I-581 was widened to four lanes with turn lanes onto the I-581 ramps, a new pedestrian bridge for the Lick Run Greenway was built over I-581 and sound walls were installed along portions of I-581.
Benefits of the Diverging Diamond Interchange
A new and innovative design, the diverging diamond interchange increases safety and moves a higher volume of vehicles without increasing the number of lanes. A diverging diamond interchange
Reduces congestion by allowing traffic to keep moving through an intersection
Improves safety by allowing free flowing turns when entering or exiting the roadway, eliminating left turns against oncoming traffic and reducing the number of traffic signal phases
Provides better sight distance at turns and fewer chances to conflict with other vehicles, which results in fewer crashes.
“One of the biggest benefits to a diverging diamond interchange is that it provides drivers with more green light time as compared to traditional intersections,” explained Ken King, VDOT’s Salem District engineer.
Driving through the Diverging Diamond Interchange
When driving through the interchange, drivers will travel temporarily to the left side of the road.
Drivers should
Proceed through the traffic signal at the entrance to the interchange and follow their lane to the opposite side of the roadway.
Pay close attention and follow signs and pavement markings that will guide them through the interchange.
Be patient with other drivers in the area.
Resources for drivers, including graphics and videos, are available on VDOT’s website at www.virginiadot.org/valleyview .
Beginning Monday this afternoon, people can join the conversation on Twitter by sharing their experience driving through the new interchange at #LeftSideRke. Mon, 21 Nov 2016 24:00:00 GMT-8VDOT HOLDS PUBLIC HEARING ON DECEMBER 8 FOR ROUTE 220 SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS IN BOTETOURT COUNTYhttp://www.virginiadot.org/newsroom/salem/2016/vdot_holds_public_hearing109220.asp
SALEM — On Thursday, December 8 from 5 to 7 p.m., the Virginia Department of Transportation will hold a design public hearing to discuss the proposed safety improvements along approximately 9.65 miles of Route 220 (Botetourt Road) located between Iron Gate and the James River bridge near Eagle Rock in Botetourt County. The meeting will be held at Eagle Rock Elementary School located at 145 Eagle’s Nest Drive in Eagle Rock.
The primary purpose of this project is to enhance safety along Route 220 by providing an upgraded two-lane road, improving the alignment, widening shoulders, adding turn lanes, creating additional passing zones and providing centerline and edge-line rumble strips. This proposed project would reconstruct Route 220 as a two-lane road and is intended to improve safety. For more information about the project, visit www.virginiadot.org/route220botetourt .
The design public hearing is being held to provide an opportunity for citizens or organizations to give VDOT input on the proposed project. The meeting will be held in an ‘open-house’ format with a brief presentation taking place at 5:15 and 6:15 p.m. VDOT representatives will be present to discuss the proposed project and to answer questions.
Comments about the project may be submitted at the meeting or until December 18, 2016, by mail to Mr. Craig Moore, P.E., Virginia Department of Transportation, 731 Harrison Avenue, S al em, VA 24153. E-mail comments can be sent to Craig.Moore@VDOT.virginia.gov . Please reference “Route 220 Public Hearing Comment” in the subject heading.
Anyone requiring speci al assistance to attend and participate in this meeting may contact Craig Moore at 540-387-5353, 800-367-7623 or TTY/TDD 711.
Fri, 18 Nov 2016 24:00:00 GMT-8TRAFFIC ALERT: RAMP AND LANE CLOSURES SCHEDULED AT VALLEY VIEW NEXT WEEK http://www.virginiadot.org/newsroom/salem/2016/traffic_alert_ramp_and108699.asp
As work on the Valley View project continues, the following ramp and lane closures are scheduled on Valley View Boulevard and I-581 next week.
On Sunday, November 6 from 10:30 p.m. to 6 a.m., access to Valley View Boulevard from I-581 northbound and access to I-581 southbound from Valley View Boulevard will close be closed for pavement milling. All traffic using I-581 to access or depart from Valley View Boulevard will need to use Hershberger Road.
On Monday, November 7 and Tuesday, November 8, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., paving operations will require lane closures in both directions on Valley View Boulevard at the Target intersection. Signs will direct traffic.
On Monday, November 7 through Thursday, November 10, southbound I-581 will have a double right lane closure in place from Valley View Boulevard to the Liberty Street bridge from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. each night for soundwall installation.
For the latest information on this closure, visit www.511Virginia.org or follow us on Twitter at @VaDOTSalem. Mon, 07 Nov 2016 24:00:00 GMT-8TRAFFIC ALERT: WEEKEND LANE CLOSURES SCHEDULED ON INTERSTATE 81 AT MILE MARKER 149 FOR BRIDGE REPAIRS http://www.virginiadot.org/newsroom/salem/2016/traffic_alert_weekend_lane108468.asp
As bridge repair work on the I-81 bridge over Tinker Creek continues, lane closures are scheduled north and southbound at mile marker 149 this weekend.
On Friday, October 28, at 7 p.m. an extended lane closure will be in place in the northbound lane for bridge deck repairs and will continue until Saturday, October 29 at 11 a.m.
On Saturday, Oct. 29 at 6 p.m. an extended lane closure will be in place in the southbound lane for the bridge deck overlay and continue until Sunday, Oct. 30 at 10 a.m.
Weather permitting, these extended lane closures are estimated to be approximately16 hours, however, lane closures will remain in place until concrete sets.
For the latest information on this closure, visit www.511Virginia.org or follow us on Twitter at @VaDOTSalem. Fri, 28 Oct 2016 24:00:00 GMT-8TRAFFIC ALERT: VALLEY VIEW BOULEVARD CLOSURE AND I-581 LANE CLOSURES BOTH SCHEDULED FOR NEXT WEEKhttp://www.virginiadot.org/newsroom/salem/2016/traffic_alert_valley_view108463.asp
SALEM – As part of the continued work at the Valley View Interchange, a portion of Valley View Boulevard will be closed and a detour will be in place next week.
Beginning in the early morning hours on Monday, October 31 at 12 a.m., through Friday night, November 4, at 11:59 p.m., westbound Valley View Boulevard will be closed for construction of the southbound on-ramp of the diverging diamond interchange. A detour will be in place directing all westbound traffic to use Hershberger Road for access to I-581.
In addition, on Tuesday, November 1 through Thursday, November 3, 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning, a double right lane closure will be in place on southbound I-581 from Valley View Boulevard to the Liberty Street Bridge for soundwall installation.
Drivers approaching these areas are encouraged to slow down and use caution through the work zones.
For the latest information on this traffic alert, visit www.511Virginia.org or follow us on twitter at @511southwestva or @VaDOTSalem. Thu, 27 Oct 2016 24:00:00 GMT-8VDOT ENCOURAGES RACE FANS TO FOLLOW SIGNS TO REDUCE TRAFFIC CONGESTION AT MARTINSVILLE SPEEDWAYhttp://www.virginiadot.org/newsroom/salem/2016/vdot_encourages_race_fans108346.asp
SALEM – The Virginia Department of Transportation encourages race fans driving to and from Martinsville Speedway for the race on Sunday, October 30, to follow recommended traffic patterns as posted on signs and message boards.
VDOT will place many signs and changeable message boards throughout the region to assist travelers. Vehicular and pedestrian traffic will be heavy. Traffic is being routed to the speedway in certain patterns to minimize over al l congestion as much as possible. Watch for the speed limit to reduce gradually from 65 mph to 35 mph on the Route 220/Route 58 Bypass as you approach the speedway.
• From Roanoke and areas north of Martinsville: Race fans traveling south on Route 220 can take the exit onto Route 58 to Martinsville to reach the track or they can continue on the Route 220/Route 58 Bypass past the speedway interchange and turn right onto the access road that leads into the speedway. The entrance is located one mile east of the Route 220 interchange and may provide easier access. Signs are in place designating the entrance to the speedway.
• From Danville and areas east of Martinsville: Motorists on the Route 58 Bypass should follow signs directing them to use the track’s back gate. This entrance is located off the bypass, east of the track.
• From Greensboro and areas south of Martinsville: Route 220 northbound traffic will split into three lanes shortly before reaching the speedway. Motorists should watch for electronic message boards and obey police directing traffic. Through traffic should use the left lane.
• From Stuart and areas west of Martinsville: Motorists should stay on Route 58 east and follow signs and message boards to the track.
Those attending the race should closely follow directional information and plan to arrive early and expect heavy traffic and delays.
Editor’s note: Martinsville Speedway has shared these graphics for drivers entering and exiting from the race.
Mon, 24 Oct 2016 24:00:00 GMT-8TRAFFIC ALERT: EXTENDED LANE CLOSURES ON INTERSTATE 81 THIS WEEKEND FOR BRIDGE REPAIRS IN BOTETOURT COUNTYhttp://www.virginiadot.org/newsroom/salem/2016/traffic_alert__extended107625.asp
SALEM – Ongoing repairs to Tinker Creek bridge on Interstate 81 in Botetourt County will impact traffic this weekend.
Weather permitting, extended lane closures are scheduled on I-81 northbound between mile marker 149 and 151 this weekend. The time frame of the extended lane closures is estimated to be approximately 16 hours, but these single lane closures will remain in place until concrete sets .
The lane closures are scheduled as follows:
Friday, Sept. 30 from 7 p.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1
Saturday, Oct. 1 from 6 p.m. to 10 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 2
Message boards will be in place advising traffic of the lane closures. If weather becomes a factor, the work will be rescheduled.
For the latest information on this traffic alert, visit www.511Virginia.org or follow us on twitter at @511southwestva or @VaDOTSalem. Thu, 29 Sep 2016 24:00:00 GMT-8TRAFFIC ALERT: EXIT 150 PROJECT SCHEDULES LANE CLOSURES ON ROUTE 220 ALTERNATE NEXT WEEK IN BOTETOURT COUNTY http://www.virginiadot.org/newsroom/salem/2016/traffic_alert_exit_150107629.asp
SALEM – As part of the continued work at the Exit 150 Improvement Project off I-81 in Botetourt County, lane closures will be in place on Route 220 Alternate northbound and southbound as new turn lanes and signals are added in preparation for the connection of Gateway Crossing to Route 220 Alternate.
Lane closures will be in place beginning Monday, October 3, and will be located between the Route 11 (Lee Highway) and Route 220 Alternate (Cloverdale Road) intersection at exit 150 and the intersection of Edgewood Drive with northbound Route 220 Alternate.
Signs will direct traffic and drivers approaching the area are encouraged to slow down and use caution in the work zone.
This portion of the work is expected to be completed in October 2016.
For the latest information on this traffic alert, visit www.511Virginia.org or follow us on twitter at @511southwestva or @VaDOTSalem. Thu, 29 Sep 2016 24:00:00 GMT-8TRAFFIC ALERT: INTERSTATE 81 NORTHBOUND BLOCKED DUE TO MULTI-VEHICLE ACCIDENT IN MONTGOMERY COUNTYhttp://www.virginiadot.org/newsroom/salem/2016/traffic_alert__interstate107633.asp
SALEM – Northbound Interstate 81 in Montgomery County is currently blocked due to several multi-vehicle accidents involving multiple tractor-trailers and vehicles at mile marker 109. A diesel fuel leak has also been reported.
Congestion has reached five miles on I-81 northbound and one mile traveling southbound. Drivers on northbound I-81 are being directed to exit the interstate at exit 109. Motorists approaching the area are being encouraged to seek alternate routes and avoid the area.
Incident responders are on the scene, but there is no estimated time for reopening the road at this time.
For the latest information on this closure, visit www.511Virginia.org or follow us on Twitter at @VaDOTSalem. Thu, 29 Sep 2016 24:00:00 GMT-8